Walking Staff - Celtic Knot

This staff was an interesting project for me. I deliberately limited myself to using only a Carvin’ Jack (photo 6) and a bit of sandpaper, just to see what type of work I could do with something that I can carry safely in my pocket. I used a piece of fairly straight silver maple, and start to finish took about 4 to 5 hours. I like carving Celtic Knotwork, but I try to undercut farther than most of the examples that I see. I find this gives me a much more 3 dimensional result, even though it does take more time and effort. After sanding, I used a scrap piece of the maple to burnish the staff, then applied some Clapham’s Beeswax Polish and buffed with my bare hand.

Very nice work! I have considered buying the carving jack knife but so far have not taken the step. What is your opinion of it in ease and comfort to use? My only hesitation is that it did not feel comfortable in my hand.

Hi Bearpie – There are a couple of points about the Carvin’ Jack that you should consider when making a purchase.First – It comes in either a right-hand or left-hand version, which means that the hook knife, 3/8” scorp, and the V-scorp face in opposite directions on the 2 versions. The photo shows my right-hand Jack, and this version forces me to carve towards myself when I am using these 3 blades. Since I prefer to carve away from my body, my preference would now be to have a left-hand version, but that is a matter of personal preference that you should consider for your own style of carving. Take a look at the demo photos at . . . http://www.flexcut.com/products/cart.php?target=product&product_id=981&category_id=174Second – Sharpening. Mine came with a honing block to maintain the edges, and this works very well for me. The blades hold their edges very well.Third – Common sense. I had to learn to pay attention as I changed blades. This tool comes honed, and if you have several blades out simultaneously while deciding which one will be used next, handle it carefully. I like the fact that each blade locks in position so that there is no chance of it folding back on me while in use.I like the portability, and of course the quality of the blades. The belt sheath is another plus for campers or hikers.